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There are few things more daunting to a homeowner than a kitchen remodeling projects. After all, there’s much to consider and many decisions to make. We’ve put together this kitchen remodeling guide to help assist you in planning your kitchen remodel, making key decisions, and finding the right materials and installation team for the right price.

Start by making a plan

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

How well does your kitchen function now?

How do you use your kitchen?

How much storage do you need?

What kitchen style works for you?

What’s your budget?

Write down the answers on a piece of paper. You might find this helps clarify what you’re looking for going into a full kitchen remodel. Of course, you may have some difficultly with the fifth item. After all, how should you budget for such a project?

Put together your budget

How much should you spend? Well, that’s really up to the size and scope of the work involved. If you’re working on a small remodel with just a few upgrades, you might have the cash-on-hand to complete the project. However, if your project is far more ambitious, a small home-improvement loan from the bank might be in order.

Using the answers you wrote down above, consider what your “line” is. This line is how much you can afford to spend. You don’t want to exceed this, so you’ll want to stick to it as much as possible, and work backwards from there.

Do your research

Now that you’ve determined your budget, it’s time to dive into some research to know just how much you need to budget for this kind of project.

Here’s some things to ask about:

Warranties

Return Policies

Reviews

While you’re at it, you should also look at, or ask, how durable the products are. One cabinet or countertop might be slightly cheaper, but if it is less durable, you may end up spending more money down the road to repair or replace it.

Again, this depends on your needs. If you’re a property manager, some wear-and-tear on countertops and cabinets may be expected and therefore acceptable if it means you’re getting the expected return-on-investment out of the project. Homeowners, on the other hand, are less concerned with ROI and more concerned with things that last.

Your guide to cabinets

Cabinets are the center point of focus for your new kitchen. There are many different styles, colors, and options for your kitchen cabinets. It’s important to have done your research and know what your tastes are.

Consider your space when picking cabinets. Dark cabinets will make a small space feel smaller. Conversely, too much white in your space may make your kitchen feel sterile. Some color contrast can be appealing, but make sure your cabinets, flooring, backsplash, and countertops will complement each other.

Selecting cabinets for your space

Consider your space and what you can do with it.

How many cabinets will you need?

Do you plan to keep the same floorplan?

Do you need a new floorplan?

Do you need both upper and lower cabinets?

If you have some ideas on the answers to these questions in advance, that’s great for our team to know. If not, no worries: when we meet for your free in-home estimate, we can help you figure things out.

Once these issues have been resolved, it’s time to move onto some questions regarding aesthetics:

Quaker style vs. Modern

Wood vs Veneer

Glass doors or solid panels

Color vs stain

Finished vs unfinished

Having old cabinets removed

If you are replacing your cabinets with new ones, you’ll need to remove the old cabinets. This is a big project and will create a lot of mess. Here’s some things to consider if you’re removing your own cabinets:

Start with wearing the appropriate safety gear.

You may want to rent a roll-off dumpster for the project. Factor that cost into your overall budget.

Cabinets are generally screwed into the wall, the floor, the countertop, and to each other. You’ll need to locate all the screws and remove them before attempting to remove the cabinet. This will prevent damage to your floors and walls.

You may be able to preserve the cabinets enough to donate them as well.

Having new cabinets installed

For your new cabinets, you’re probably going to want a pro to help you. Have one of our installers install your new kitchen cabinets.

Choosing cabinet hardware

After installing new cabinets, you may be in the market for new hardware. When picking new hardware it’s important to consider the colors or your kitchen, your whole home, and the style of your cabinets.

Traditional cabinets may not look as appealing with modern hardware and vice versa. Also, keep in mind that a kitchen with chrome finishes will clash with brass hardware on the cabinets.

Likewise, a home with outdated or gold-colored door hardware may clash with a chrome kitchen. If you’re investing in a new style, you should consider updating the rest of your home (especially adjoining rooms!) to match your new kitchen.

Everything to know about countertops

Granite or quartz countertops are the statement piece of your kitchen. They tie the whole kitchen together in color and style.

Selecting your new countertops

As with new cabinets, don’t lose focus on the size of your kitchen—or your budget—when choosing countertops. An already-small kitchen may feel even tighter and more restraining with dark countertops installed. More kitchen, more problems, too: if you have a lot of counter space, it’s going to take up more of your kitchen remodeling budget.

Consider your family’s lifestyle and needs when choosing a countertop style. Certain countertops are stain-resistant, while others stain easily. Likewise, some countertops are more hygienic compared to others.

Kitchen flooring

Let’s be honest: flooring is an afterthought for some kitchen remodeling projects. For some, it’s essential. For others, they want to keep their current tile, or have already replaced the flooring. If you’re in the former camp, choosing flooring can be a challenge, no matter which category your project falls into.

The first step is deciding which flooring will work best for your space and your family. Hardwood floors are in style right now, but in families with children or in high-traffic kitchens, the hardwood may be quickly damaged. Also, watch that water-resistance: spilled drinks and water from the sink are big problems in the kitchen.

Who will be using your kitchen?

We know that hardwood floors throughout your home may be your dream, but that may not be very reasonable. Hardwood floors are especially susceptible to water damage, so putting hardwood floors in a kitchen is not the best idea for families with young children.

Families with older children or couples with no children may be better candidates for hardwood flooring in the kitchen. Bear in mind, water damage can happen to anyone.

High traffic kitchens may also be poor candidates for hardwood flooring. Families that spend a lot of time in their kitchen may want to consider a more durable choice.

Selecting the right flooring for your kitchen

After considering your family and your habits, it’s time to choose the right flooring. If hardwood flooring still sounds like an unbeatable option, you may consider a high-traffic and waterproof laminate alternative.

Moulding and trim

Depending on the age of your home, moulding, trim, and millwork may be things to think about. Moulding and trim add a finishing style that makes your home look more elegant and polished. Consider purchasing moulding or trim to make your kitchen feel finished.

Of course, this greatly depends on the style and age of your kitchen. Many of the homes here in Phoenix have simplified moulding and trim; you may not need a lot of work or investment in this area unless you own a historic home. (Even then, be sure to check with local ordinances and laws regarding what you can change about the interior of a historic property here in the Valley!)

Lighting

Lighting can turn a drab and dreary kitchen into something far more exciting and invigorating. Here’s how you can find the perfect lighting for your home and kitchen remodel project:

Picking your light fixtures

When choosing lighting for your home, consider the size and style of your kitchen and your home. Large light fixtures can make a small kitchen feel smaller, while a small light fixture can make a large kitchen seem dark.

Farm-style kitchens work with iron, bronze, and glass light fixtures. In contrast, modern kitchens make good use of combinations of chrome, steel, and glass.

Replacing your light fixtures as part of your remodel

After picking your new light fixtures, it’s time to install them. The first step is removing the old light fixtures. If you’re nervous about this, please don’t hesitate to hire a licensed electrician. However, if you’re forging ahead, ensure that all the electrical for the circuit is turned off. Remove the lightbulbs from the fixture and carefully remove everything.

Anything that requires major rewiring should really be done by a professional electrician, who will have the training and equipment needed to make the changes you’re seeking.

Adding some extras that go a long way

Some projects feel incomplete without the cherry-on-top to tie the kitchen design together. Let’s dive in:

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a big comeback in home design, and some Valley homes are now returning to the styles popularized in the 50s, 60s, and even 70s. Whether you’re adding or removing wallpaper, make sure that your plans fit in with what you’re doing for the rest of the home.

Backsplash

More modern than wallpaper, backsplashes are now popular in kitchens, where they can add a pop or color or style to a space. In fact, it’s the final decorative item to match your countertops and your cabinets. Of course, it’s not just for the eyes: a backsplash will prevent food and water from damaging your walls.

To choose the right backsplash, again consider the size, style, and color of your kitchen. A plain kitchen may look good with a brighter and more decorative backsplash, while a festive kitchen may become overwhelming with a busy backsplash. Also, a small kitchen may feel smaller with a dark or busy backsplash.

Consider also the style and color of your countertops, flooring, and cabinets. Take samples of your colors and materials when picking your backsplash to see how the colors, styles, and textures will look together.

Keep in mind, tile is not your only option for a backsplash. You may also consider glass, aluminum, or stone.

How to install a backsplash

When you have chosen the perfect backsplash for your new kitchen, it’s time to install the backsplash. Installation may vary based on the material you chose for your backsplash. Aluminum backsplashes may require only some glue and a few screws, while glass, stone, and tile require grout and tile cement.

You’ll need a level, tile spacers, and patience to complete this part of the process. You may also need a tile cutter to complete your backsplash depending on the style of backsplash you chose.

If installing a backsplash seems overwhelming, you may need to do more research or hire a contractor to complete this part of your kitchen remodel. The backsplash may take a few days to complete depending on the style of your kitchen and backsplash you chose.

It’s time to get started

As we mentioned at the start: a kitchen remodel is a big project. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just take a pause. It’s time to call in the professionals.

You’ve decided your home could use a little updating: maybe new cabinets in the kitchen, or a new countertop in the bathroom. Now, you have the find the right professionals to help you realize your vision. Here in the Phoenix metro, that’s as simple as calling Superior Stone & Cabinet.

Not only do we provide one of the largest selections of countertops, cabinets, and flooring in Arizona, but we also have professional countertop and cabinet installers who are ready to help you.

In this blog, we’re going to run through what makes our countertop and cabinet installers better. To get started on your project with the team at Superior Stone & Cabinet, contact us today!

1. Our team works efficiently without sacrificing quality

Living in the middle of a remodel isn’t easy. There’s noise, dust, and people moving in-and-out of your home. Any delay in a single part of the project (say, installing cabinets) can hold up other parts of the project (such as installing countertops). This is just one of the reasons that dependability and an existing record of success is so important when selecting countertop and cabinet installers.

The right professionals (such as ours) will be understanding of your own commitments and work with you to finish the job as quickly as possible. No waiting around means more peace of mind for you.

2. Great selection at a great price

Remodeling is an investment in your home, and you want great quality for an affordable price. The company you work with should have a wide selection of products to choose from without breaking the bank. You deserve a beautiful room without going over budget.

Here in the Phoenix metro, Superior Stone & Cabinet has not only a great selection in our 60,000 sq/ft warehouse and showroom, but we also are a direct importer and wholesaler, which means we’re able to provide quality materials for far, far less than our competitors who work with middlemen.

There’s very few companies who are willing to work with you or suggest alternative options when it comes to counters and cabinets. When you schedule your free in-home estimate with our experts, we do just that.

3. Exceptional communication, no matter the issue

When countertop installers and other hired professionals understand your needs, the remodeling process will be smoother and less stressful. Countertop and cabinet installers should be able to work with you, your budget, and your ideas to help you get the design you want.

Good communication establishes trust between you and a hired professional. Great installers provide you with accurate estimates, and explain any complications that might arise during the installation process.

With all the time, money, and energy you’re spending on your project, you want to know you’re working with an ally, not an obstacle. We’re the former. Superior Stone believes in thorough communication with our clients, to make sure that they’re satisfied with our work.

Choose the counter and cabinet installers at Superior Stone

If you’re looking for professional installers of cabinets and countertops, Superior Stone & Cabinet is your source for experienced installation teams and quick turnaround times.Contact us to start your remodeling journey today.

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If you’ve recently decided to get new countertops, a vital part of the process is seeing to it that you opt for professional countertop installation as opposed to trying to take on the task yourself. At Superior Stone & Cabinet, we believe that one of the best things you can do for yourself and your counters is making sure the right people take care of the job.

To learn more about our services—or to get a free in-home estimate here in the Valley for new granite or quartz countertops—contact us!

Here are 5 reasons that getting your countertops installed by a professional matters

Materials

No matter if you opt for granite or quartz for your countertops’ material, it’s bound to look and perform better with expert installation. A company that specializes in professional quartz countertop installation (that’s us!) or professional granite counter installation (also us!) knows just how to handle the material during installation so it lasts as long as possible.

Heavy lifting

A professional granite counter install job can require some heavy lifting. Even if you have help with the task, there’s no need for you or anyone else to risk injury to improve the look and feel of your kitchen. You could seriously injure yourself, which requires a trip to the hospital and possibly time off work.

Tools

There could also be special tools or equipment that need to be used to complete installation. Experts know what those tools and equipment are and how to use them safely. You may be able to rent installation equipment and tools, but why waste the money and why risk getting the wrong pieces?

Additional services

In addition to new countertops, you might also need plumbing or electrical work done. Professionals likely either know how to do additional jobs for you, or know whom to contact. By doing the job yourself, you may not notice if anything else needs to be done, which could lead to issues later on.

Resale value

Your home’s resale value is something else to consider. A professional installation job is likely to increase the overall value of your residential property if you decide to put your home on the market in the future. On the other hand, a poor installation job might need to be redone, which can put a dent in your property’s value.

It’s tax season, and this is the time of year where a vast majority of Americans receive a tax refund.

There are many things you can do with your refund. However, instead of buying a new car or taking a vacation, we’d argue that you should consider new counters, cabinets, or floors. In fact, making upgrades to your home is one of the most prudent things you can do with your refund.

Superior Stone & Cabinet is your source for granite, quartz, cabinets, and floors here in Phoenix. We offer free in-home estimates in the Valley, and we have everything, all in one place, at our 60,000 warehouse and showroom. To see our selection and meet with home remodeling experts, visit us today!

Spend your tax refund the right way

The biggest misconception about tax refunds are that they’re a form of “free money,” akin to a work bonus or gambling winnings. Not really: your refund is your money, being returned to you in a lump sum format. Unfortunately, this often leads people to make poor spending decisions with their refunds.

In reality, it’s best to be judicious with your use of your tax refund. Most experts advise paying down debt or spending it on things that keep their value. In this blog, we’ll be making the case for the latter option: by reinvesting your refund in your home, you’ll permanently boost its value, while also transforming it into something you can enjoy in the present.

Improve your home’s value

Most experts agree: your kitchens and bathrooms are the best places to invest in upgrades, as they’ll have the biggest impact on your home value and your home’s curb appeal. After all, you know this just from experience: when your friends and family come over, there’s a lot of time spent together in the kitchen.

This may be a seller’s market here in Phoenix, but buyers are more discerning than ever about what their future kitchens and bathrooms should look like. Having a modern, stylish kitchen or bathroom could make the difference between selling your home fast and at asking price, or not.

Create a more enjoyable space for you and your family

Of course, making upgrades to your home doesn’t have to be a completely utilitarian exercise. Even if you’re not planning on selling your home, you can still use your tax refund to transform your kitchen and bathrooms into spaces you’ll enjoy for decades to come.

No matter what your current kitchen or bathroom looks like, Superior can help. For example, our team recently transformed a Mesa home into a space the homeowner could enjoy for years to come. With new cabinets, counters, floors, and some other design upgrades, we created a modern, stylish, and usable space.

For a free estimate, call Superior Stone & Cabinet

Whether you’re interested in new floors, cabinets, or countertops, Superior Stone & Cabinet can help. We offer free estimates, and we can help you realize your remodeling dreams.Give us a call to schedule a free in-home estimate here in the Phoenix metro, or visit our conveniently located showroom.

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Every decision a homeowner makes has to take two things into consideration: do I like this, and will the person who one day buys the house from me like this?

This is a strong deterrent against painting your walls seafoam green, but the opportunity to improve your home value is also a great reason to have Superior Stone & Cabinet upgrade your kitchen and bathroom.

In this blog, we’ll review the top things you can do as a homeowner to improve your home’s long-term value while simultaneously creating something you and your family will enjoy in the present.

Start in the kitchen

Most experts agree that the kitchen is the place to start when you’re looking to add value to your home. In hot seller’s markets—like the one here in Phoenix—the upgrade can easily pay for itself in a rise in your home’s value.

What kind of upgrades should you make?

If nothing else, focus on counters and cabinets. These are the highly visible parts of your kitchen, and improvements here will instantly give your home more “pop” when it’s being shown off to prospective buyers.

You’ll have some decisions to make. What type of countertop? Should you add cabinet organization? Of course, the design and remodeling experts at Superior Stone & Cabinet can help. More on that in a second.

Have the funds for something bigger? You can consider opening up your kitchen, which is a popular trend at the moment and makes your home feel more roomy and welcoming.

Move on to the master bathroom

Most homes have “master” bathroom located off the main bedroom. Remodel this next. Prospective buyers will want a stunning master bathroom that they can use and admire on a daily basis.

Tackle that shower project

Superior Stone & Cabinet can help you create the perfect shower for your home. We have the right materials in our 60,000 SQ/FT warehouse and showroom for any shower design, including a wide variety of shower tile.

Creating a modern shower with upgraded faucets and fixtures can really pay off when you go to put your home on the market. This is something realtors and buyers are looking for in used homes.

Upgrade your bathroom counters and cabinets

Bathroom counters and cabinets can significantly increase the visual appeal of your bathroom, and the corresponding value of your home.

Keep up with the arms race

Here’s what you have to think about, though: even in a seller’s market, homeowners are in an arms race against their neighbors and people many blocks away. If your house is outdated compared to other houses in your price range, you’re going to be in a tough spot.

By investing in your home value today, you can ensure that—when you go to sell your home in the future—you’ll get the most out of it.

Call or visit Superior Stone for ideas, materials, and more

Superior Stone & Cabinet is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to remodel your kitchen or bathroom in Phoenix. If you’re thinking about upgrading your home—either for future sale or for your personal enjoyment—contact us or visit our conveniently located showroom.

For some, the bathroom is the place to shut out the world and relax. More and more, however, bathrooms are becoming places to be seen and enjoyed. That’s why homeowners are starting bathroom renovation projects.

In this blog post, we’ll run through some of the things you should consider when remodeling your bathroom, and how Superior Stone & Cabinet can help you find everything you need for your bathroom renovation project.

What to consider for your bathroom renovation project

If you are thinking of starting a makeover of your bathroom, here are four things that will help you to ensure that you get the most value out of the bathroom renovation project:

1. Consider the resale value

Obviously, all local and state building codes need to be followed. You’ll want to hire an experienced remodeling company with the tools, experience, and certification to do the job right; the resale value of your home could depend on it!

In terms of resale value, remember that no one loves homes that are “unicorns.” You may love hot pink walls and a countertop embedded with seashells, but if you’re ever planning on re-selling your home, you may want to go with something a bit more mainstream.

Here are two ways to find out what styles are popular:

You can use local real estate websites to find pictures of neighboring homes that are for sale, and see what they’ve done to upgrade their bathroom. You may find inspiration from their bathroom renovation. Or, check picture-sharing sites like Pinterest.

Contact the team at Superior Stone & Cabinet, and we’ll provide you with ideas for popular cabinets, countertops, and floors used in our customer’s bathroom projects. Another great idea? Stop by our showroom to see and feel materials and get ideas. We have bathroom models set up for you to look at.

2. Avoid messing with the plumbing if you can

If you want to remain within your budget when tackling a bathroom remodeling project, avoid doing major re-plumbing or re-piping work, if possible. Moving the plumbing around is very expensive and can cost a lot of money. We’ve heard of many homeowners who underestimated the cost of plumbing renovation and had to settle for less expensive counters and cabinets. That’s not ideal.

To remain in budget, focus on ways you can improve your bathroom and make it something you’ll love—all while keeping the tub, shower, sink, and toilet all in the same place.

Of course, that’s not to say that you have to settle for those things, as is! New shower tile from Superior Stone & Cabinet can turn even the most outdated shower into the showpiece of your bathroom renovation.

3. Spruce up the bathroom to add value

Not many people know that there are a lot of simple things that can greatly enhance the look and elegance of the bathroom. Here are a few of the things that add the most value to a bathroom:

New countertops: Typically, bathroom counters—whether mounted on cabinets or a vanity—don’t have the same square footage as in the kitchen, which makes them an affordable part of your renovation project. Many homeowners opt to put granite in their bathroom for this reason.

Pendant lighting: Lighting is so important to transforming the drab bathroom of yesteryear into something truly impressive. It’s an inexpensive way to show off everything in your bathroom that you want to be seen.

Vanity cabinetry: Old, beat-up cabinets don’t belong in an updated bathroom. With hundreds of doors and storage options, Superior Stone & Cabinet can help you find the bathroom cabinets that are right for your project. See styles and color options here.

4. Consider adding a small window in the bathroom

Remember that whole thing about light? A small window in the bathroom can bring in natural light and be a game-changer in the bathroom. You should consider installing a frosted-glass panel that ensures privacy and also provides fresh air.

Make sure that there are stone jambs at the site of the installation that makes the area watertight. In addition, you should ensure that the window sill is sloped away for proper drainage.

Start your bathroom renovation project at Superior Stone & Cabinet

Want more advice and tips for your bathroom project? Or, do you want to see your countertop and cabinet options? Stop by our showroom in Phoenix, Arizona, or give us a call to schedule a free in-home measurement and consultation.

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Kitchen countertops are the most important part of any kitchen remodeling project. The right counters in the right kitchen can just shine. From granite and quartz to wood and stainless steel, there’s a lot of kitchen countertop materials out there. How do you know which one is right for your home?

Well, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll discuss your multiple options for kitchen countertops, and why Superior Stone & Cabinet is the right choice for countertop installation in the Phoenix metro area.

Granite

To give your kitchen a high-end renovation, installing granite countertops is arguably the best way to go. Granite surfaces are made using granite stone that comes in various natural colors and inherent designs. If properly taken care of, these countertops can look great even after decades of use.

They are more heat resistant and less prone to minor knife nicks than other countertop materials.

To make them strain-resistant, however, you have to seal them frequently. Due to their heavy weight, you kitchen will need robust cabinet boxes to support them.

Here are some articles we’ve previously written about granite countertops:

Quartz

Distinctive features and durability are the mark of quartz countertops. Made from a mixture of quartz and resin, these countertops have a wide variety of color options.

The addition of the resin to the natural stone makes quartz countertops non-porous, which results in greater strain-resistance capabilities.

Quartz countertops are more flexible due to the addition of polymer in their preparation. More flexibility means these kitchen countertops will be less prone to scratches and chips.

However, the addition of polymers and resins makes quartz countertops less heat-resistant than steel or granite ones. You’ll need to use a hot pad for hot pans and pots to ensure that your quartz doesn’t get weird markings.

Other, less common countertop materials

In this section, we’ll cover some less common types of countertop materials, such as stainless steel, laminate, and wood.

A word of advice first: You also have to consider the resale value of your home. You don’t want to be the only house on the block with a weird countertop type when you go to sell.

Stainless steel countertops

Stainless steel can be used to cover your kitchen countertops if you like shiny surfaces. This works especially well if your house interior has a minimalistic style. Stainless steel can easily be cleaned by using tap water or occasionally vinegar for those hard-to-remove spots.

Don’t use strong chemicals like bleach and caustic soda because it can speed up the slow-rusting process of the steel.

Stainless steel can be difficult to maintain, and it rarely fits in every home. You’ll want to consult with a home designer to figure out if stainless steel is the right fit for your kitchen.

Laminate countertops

Lamination has been used to cover kitchen countertops for ages. It is one of the most budget-friendly countertop material options. Laminate countertops are experiencing a rise in their popularity because they are now available in designs that closely resemble wood, granite and stone.

However, a big caveat: laminate countertops have many strikes against them. First, they’re less durable than other countertop materials to cuts, stains, burns, and more. They also have low resale value added; some homebuyers may even be turned off by a kitchen with laminate countertops.

Wood countertops

Some people love the look of wood countertops, but here’s the thing: you’ll need to spend a lot of time defending and maintaining this countertop type. While we like the look, the material itself just struggles to keep up with everyday life in the kitchen, where wood’s porous, absorbing nature works against it. Learn more about wood countertops here.

Call Superior Stone & Cabinet to get a free estimate on new granite and quartz countertops

Superior Stone & Cabinet is one of the largest suppliers of granite and quartz countertops in the Phoenix metro area. We offer free estimates on new countertops. To get started, give us a call at (602) 437-0088 or visit our showroom to see our materials.

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Selecting a new countertop for a bathroom or kitchen is no easy task. You must consider a lot of different factors such as cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal. You must also pick a countertop design that will work well with the overall home decor.

Your countertops buyer’s guide

Here, in this buyer’s guide for granite and quartz, we have assembled some tips that can help first time buyers to select the right countertop for the home.

#1. Establish a budget

The foremost thing that you should do when buying a countertop is to set a budget. This may not be a pleasant part of buying a countertop, but it’s essential.

#2. Understand different types of countertops

Countertops are available in a wide variety of types. Here are the two most popular types of countertops:

Granite Countertops —Another great option for homes is countertops made of granite. The natural stone’s hardness and ruggedness makes it a particularly popular choice for kitchens. They are resistant to scratches and don’t get hot easily. The countertop is easy to care for and maintain. The only pitfall of the granite countertops is that they are heavy due to which they are difficult to install. As a result, you can expect to pay higher installation costs for granite countertops.

Quartz Countertops —Quartz countertops are rugged and easy to care for. They are available in a large variety of options. The countertops are less prone to staining as compared to marble and granite countertops. They also don’t require resealing similar to natural stone countertops.

#3. Consider mixing countertop materials

Every countertop material has its strength and weaknesses. Depending on your budget and the materials in play, you could consider mixing the materials in different rooms and spaces. For example, some kitchens use a less expensive material on the perimeter counters and reserve a showstopper, matching granite for the kitchen island.

You can also mix between rooms. Some people think quartz countertops are perfect for the kitchen, while granite looks great in the bathroom. You should speak with one of our specialists for more information and to set a design plan.

#4. Call Superior to schedule your free in-home estimate!

At Superior Stone & Cabinet, we offer free in-home estimates. Give us a call to schedule yours, and one of our design professionals will come to your home and provide you with personalized options. Think of this as your personal (and in-person) first-time buyer’s guide for granite and quartz!

This estimate will ensure that you have the perfect countertop installed in the home. For more information on kitchen and bathroom countertops, contact us at Superior Stone and Cabinet.

Are you trying to pick what kind of countertops you’ll put into your home? Deciding between granite and quartz can be tricky. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a few things to consider, and also provide a comparison to a pricier option: marble.

Natural stone, but which kind?

Most people get confused when selecting a kitchen countertop due to the availability of different options in terms of material. When it comes to countertops for the kitchen, the best option is to go for natural stone as they look gorgeous and striking in appearance.

Of all the natural stone countertops, the most popular one for the kitchen include granite, marble, and quartz. All these natural stones have more similarities than differences. But, they have certain characteristics that makes one better than the other.

Here, we will take a close look at some of the features of the granite, marble, and quartz countertops so that you can make up your mind as to which of them offer the best value for you. Consider this your guide to deciding between granite and quartz.

Cost

The prices of all the three natural stone countertops are somewhat similar. Granite countertops generally cost anywhere in the range of $100 to $225 per square foot from most places. However, Superior carries granite countertops installed starting at $29.99 per square foot!

Appearance

When it comes to appearance, all the three natural stone countertops look gorgeous in the kitchen. However, granite and marble countertops have a slight edge. They are available in a number of variations in colors and hues. You can find the countertops in a variety of colors that range from medium to dark shades.

The patterns of the granite and marble countertops are also varied with veins running through them. For instance, one gray-pink slab might contain dark blue veins while the other may have rosy-red veins. As a result, you will have more choice when it comes to selecting a countertop to match with the interior décor of the house.

Quartz countertops are generally uniform in pattern and color. They don’t have random markings similar to granite or marble countertops. That being said, countertops made of quartz are easier to match up with the seams while granite and marble countertops show variation in their natural design so are difficult to match.

Ruggedness

Quartz countertops are generally more rugged and strong as compared to granite or marble countertops. They are non-porous as well that makes them resistant to stain, germ, and bacteria.

Granite and marble countertops, on the other hand, are non-porous. This means that they are more vulnerable to spills and stains. Also, these countertops require sealing at least once a year which is not the case with quartz countertops.

Deciding between granite and quartz? Call Superior for a free in-home estimate!

The above discussion about the three popular natural stone countertops will surely have made it easy for you to select the best one for your kitchen. Keep in mind that you must have the countertops installed by a professional contractor.

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most common renovation projects in the United States. Generally, homeowners focus on the flooring, kitchen cabinets, and the countertops. When it comes to countertops, an increasing number of people these days are installing counters made of easy-to-maintain materials—including quartz.

Quartz countertops doesn’t just look good. They also offer many benefits as compared to other types of kitchen countertops. Here are some of the important things that you should consider if you are thinking of giving your kitchen a new look by having Superior install quartz countertops.

How are quartz countertops manufactured?

Quartz slabs are made in factories and consists of about 90 percent pure quartz. Similar to granite and marble, quartz is mined. However, they are easily ground down, making shipping much less costly. The quartz in powder form is mixed with pigments and polyester resins under intense pressure and heat.

The pigments give color to the quartz countertops while the resins make them non-porous and durable. In addition, various other materials may be added, such as material flecks or recycled glass to give special characteristics to the quartz countertops.

What are the benefits of choosing quartz?

Quartz countertops are available in a wide variety of design and patterns. They resemble the natural appearance of a stone such as granite and marble, but also provide an engineered look of laminate countertops.

The quartz slabs are relatively cheaper as compared to countertops made of natural stone. While they are more expensive than laminate, they are more rugged and durable, offering greater value on investment. Also, they are easy to install as the long thick slabs can be installed in one piece.

Another benefit of quartz countertops is that the resin used during the manufacturing process makes them non-porous. This makes them resistant to stains and odor-causing bacteria, mildew, and mold infestation. They do not need to be sealed from time to time while remodeling your kitchen.

In addition, being one of the hardest known minerals, quartz is highly durable and resistant to chips, dents, scratch marks, and heat.

What should you consider?

Having said that, you should keep in mind that quartz countertops can crack in case of sudden change in temperature. In order to avoid this outcome, you must always use a ‘hot pad’ or ‘trivet’ under hot utensils when placing them on the countertops made of quartz.

Call Superior to have us install quartz countertops in your kitchen

In conclusion, quartz countertops offer various benefits, as compared to natural stone and laminate countertops. The countertops made of quartz are rugged and durable that offers great value for money. That’s the reason they are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for kitchen remodeling projects.

To learn more about our selection of quartz countertops and learn about our process to install quartz countertops in your kitchen, give Superior Stone & Cabinet a call and schedule your free, in-home estimate with one of our professional designers.